God and Being

The relationship between God and being is explored in the Western philosophical-theological tradition, with two major positions: that the divine first principle is beyond being and that the first principle is being itself. Despite their apparent contradiction, the two traditions offer complementary approaches to a shared project of inquiry into transcendence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 78 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element delves into the intricate relationship between God and being within the Western philosophical and theological tradition, spanning from Plato to Aquinas. It provides a comprehensive historical overview of the two primary positions held during this period: (a) the notion that the divine first principle transcends being, as espoused by figures such as Plato, Plotinus, and Pseudo-Dionysius, and (b) the belief that the first principle is itself being, as championed by figures like Augustine, Avicenna, and Aquinas. Through a meticulous examination, the Element reveals a fascinating interplay between these two traditions, despite their apparent contradiction. It argues that, despite their differing perspectives, they share a complementary approach to a common quest: exploring the realm of transcendence.

Introduction:
The Western philosophical and theological tradition, spanning from Plato to Aquinas, has been a rich source of exploration into the nature of God and being. This Element aims to examine the relationship between God and being within this tradition, exploring the historical development of two primary positions: the notion that the divine first principle transcends being and the belief that the first principle is itself being.

Position 1:
Plato, Plotinus, and Pseudo-Dionysius held the view that the divine first principle is beyond being. They believed that the divine is an infinite, immutable, and transcendent entity that exists beyond the limitations of human understanding. This position emphasized the divine's superiority and separateness from the material world, suggesting that it is the source of all being and the ultimate reality.

Position 2:
Augustine, Avicenna, and Aquinas, on the other hand, argued that the first principle is itself being. They believed that the divine is not separate from being but rather is the very essence of being. This position emphasized the interconnectedness of all things and the divine's immanence within the world. Augustine, in particular, stressed the importance of God's presence in the human soul and the relationship between the divine and human nature.

Complementary Approaches:
Despite their apparent contradiction, the two positions can be seen as complementary rather than opposing. The first position emphasizes the divine's transcendence and immutability, while the second position highlights the divine's immanence and interconnectedness. Together, these positions provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of God and being.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Element has explored the relationship between God and being within the Western philosophical and theological tradition. It has demonstrated that despite their apparent contradiction, the two positions share a complementary approach to a common project of inquiry into transcendence. By recognizing the interplay between these two traditions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God and the world around us.

Weight: 127g
ISBN-13: 9781009012768